Patience in Ibadah


The Quran frequently commands us to be patient. Al-Kahf (18:28) and al-Maarij (70:5) are just two examples. But the question may arise: isn't patience just being able to wait? Like when you're waiting for a bus or someone to arrive?

Indeed, part of patience in Islam is waiting for Allah to reward you. But patience is not passivity. The prophet Yusuf ran away from his master's seducing wife. Hajar ran between Safa and Marwah looking for water. Both were patient, but they did what they needed.
This is especially true for patience in ibadah.

I recently heard a scholar talk about three types of patience, summarized as: maksiat, musibah, and ibadah. The first is about avoiding sin. The second is guarding your iman during difficult times. But the third- related to ibadah/worship- is the most important. For ibadah is done multiple times everyday, so patience in it is the most frequently tested.

Patience in ibadah can be further divided into "do it" and "while doing".It is often difficult to do an important deed- reading quran, tahajjud, joining a knowledge circle, charity, etc. Even more so to be consistent. Just remember though: consistent good deeds are the most beloved to Allah.
Moreover, during ibadah, you must resist the temptation to rush or neglect important parts.This is especially applicable in prayer. How many of us rush through or lose focus in it?

Remember though: Allah rewards patience. Everytime you're tempted to sin, everytime you face trials. And your temptation to rush in prayer, to skip reading Quran for the day, to think about other things during ibadah- if you strive to properly do the deed despite having such urges, you will be rewarded InsyaAllah. So dear brothers & sisters in Islam, be grateful when you feel impatient in ibadah. Just like one with difficulty reading the Quran gets double the reward, so too will your doing ibadah despite your struggle be rewarded, InsyaAllah.

This is a followup to 'Gaming in Patience' and what I wrote about concentrating in prayer- when you realize that your striving to concentrate is rewarded, it becomes much easier. Of course, always ask for Allah's help, for there is no power besides Him. And Allah knows best.

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